Streets of Beijing

On this trip around the world almost everything has turned out like we planned it. Most of the time even better. But during our four days in China we had to spend three of them in our apartment. Elsa got a nasty stomach virus on our first day and we spent two days calling doctors, visiting a hospital and giving her as much fluid and hugs as possible. We had one day out on the streets before Luise was down with stomach cramps and a 24 hour fever. We had planned to visit the forbidden city, the local markets, and the restaurants Dali Courtyard and Pure Lotus. We had even practised how to say ‘Wo bu che rou’ (I don’t eat meat). But we will save that for another time. Here are some snapshots from the only day we spent out on the streets of Beijing.

I love your site! Good recipes.
One tip I heard from a vegetarian who visits China a lot: if you don’t want to eat meat, say that you are a Buddhist. Then they understand perfectly what you can or can’t eat. She also said to look out for Buddhist restaurants because they have the best vegetarian food.

hi, i’m your fan which in beijing! welcome to china! But…i just want to tell you that DO NOT EAT AT STREET ANYMORE! IT’S unsanitary and almost everything cooked by “trench oil”, even Including Restaurants…it’s the truth.(sorry about my english is not good, i hope that i speak Clearly)

It’s always so hard when little ones get sick, but when you are away from the comforts of home, it’s even harder. Poor Elsa! Despite this, I’m so glad you were able to still enjoy Beijing, what an incredible experience!

David, your pictures inspire me to be a better person. The way you capture people in photography is phenomenal, I can only attribute it to your sensitive and ever humane personality, also your talent and hard work for sure. I love your pictures.

These pictures got me homesick. Loved the details you were trying to capture! So sorry about the sickness! Hope the rest of your trip was not affected by it. Beijing will be waiting the next time yall have the chance to visit. It’s an amazing city!

I recently just spent Christmas in China too (where I also took many, many photos!) I love your photos, especially the one with the Chinese Chess, and the street vendor seeling meat skewers. It brings back good memories!

Hi Christine! We were wondering that as well. They were selling goldfishes everywhere, but no one understood English when we tried to ask them what they were for.
I will ask on twitter and see if I get any response.
/David

If you ever have the chance to visit Beijing again, I highly recommend King’s Joy as a vegetarian restaurant. I live here and although not vegetarian, it is one of the better meals I have had here. Dali Courtyard is also charming and quaint and the Yunnan cuisine is my favourite of all Chinese.
For a one day out in Beijing you have really captured the essence of Beijing.